TWNC, based in the southern tip of Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park in Lampung, took this opportunity to showcase the importance of wildlife and forest conservation in Indonesia. Their booth captivated many visitors eager to learn more about the protection of endangered species, particularly the Sumatran tiger, and how their forest rehabilitation programs have effectively involved local communities in preserving nature.
The festival was also enlivened by various activities, including collaborative cultural parades, traditional and modern musical performances, and arts and crafts workshops. The vibrant presence of the Jember Fashion Carnaval, reog performances, gamelan, Acehnese dances, and kulintang added a rich cultural tapestry to the celebration. Visitors were also treated to cooking demonstrations and iconic Indonesian dishes like sate and nasi Padang, with many happily waiting in long lines for a taste.
The event was made even more special by the attendance of key figures such as Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, Minister of Cooperatives and SMEs Teten Masduki, and Wishnutama, all of whom supported Indonesia's commitment to strengthening bilateral ties while promoting environmental conservation.
In an exclusive interview, Ida Bagus Made Bimantara, the Charge d'Affaires at the Indonesian Embassy in Washington D.C., remarked that the festival offered Americans the chance to “visit Indonesia without a passport.“ Marcia Bernicat, a senior official from the U.S. State Department, praised the event as a powerful symbol of the close ties between the people of both nations.
TWNC's involvement in the festival not only showcased the natural beauty of Indonesia but also highlighted the critical role of environmental conservation as a key aspect of the broader diplomatic relationship between Indonesia and the United States.